Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Bookstore Tourism: The End of an Era

A 143 year legacy will soon be coming to an end after it was announced last week that Waterstones has bought Blackwell’s, the UK’s biggest independent bookshop chain. This will mean that Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, Foyles and Blackwell’s will all … Continue reading →

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Historic Borders

With the tragic news unfolding daily in Europe, it’s an appropriate time to take stock of how we got here. I’ve always found that maps can be an excellent way to help visualize geo-political conflicts. I recently discovered this simple, … Continue reading →

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forever making poems in the lap of death

Humanity I Love You Humanity i love you because you would rather black the boots of success than enquire whose soul dangles from his watch-chain which would be embarrassing for both parties and because you unflinchingly applaud all songs containing … Continue reading →

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Ukraine: Finding Context

Like most people these days, I have been trying to learn more about the regional war that Putin has launched against Ukraine and to put it all in context. Sadly, I must admit that I have always paid more attention … Continue reading →

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“How can I begin anything new with all of yesterday in me?”

It was announced last week that a previously unpublished book by Leonard Cohen—rejected by two publishers and then set aside—will be published this October by Grove Press. The novel, A Ballet of Lepers, will be published with fifteen short stories and … Continue reading →

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It is the small everyday deeds of folk that keep the darkness at bay

If you are a regular visitor to TBTP, you are well aware that I am a Tolkien aficionado. I imagine that many of you are also fans. Then you will be happy to learn that the Tolkien Estate has launched … Continue reading →

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Books for Ukrainian Kids

Theodore’s Books in Oyster Bay, N.Y., is hosting a drive to send children’s books to facilities in Europe being used by Ukrainian refugees. Former U.S, Congressman Steve Israel, Theodore’s owner, said, “As a Congressman, I was able to support funding … Continue reading →

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How We Can Help

I’m sure that most of you are following the horrible events unfolding in Ukraine. It has been an awful week for the people of the region and there doesn’t seem to be much to be hopeful about. However, instead of … Continue reading →

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The Bookcase of Tolerance

I’ve visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam many times over the years and I’ve always been moved both by her family’s story and the Museum’s goal of promoting tolerance. The organization recently release an AR-based project called The Bookcase … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Architecture, Europe, History, Museums, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

February Midnight Moments

Times Square in New York City has usually been considered a tawdry, tourist mecca, until now.  The full-on art installation, Continuum by Krista Kim  synchronizes across 90 electronic billboards, with a slowly shifting gradient of color washes over Times Square, … Continue reading →

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